So far, so bad for the Baltimore Ravens, who dropped their third straight game since winning in Week 4 at Pittsburgh. The Ravens hope that a return home to Baltimore will help break their losing streak as they welcome another of the league’s struggling teams in the San Diego Chargers.
The Chargers were upset at home by the Oakland Raiders in Week 6. But they should be looking for another big performance from quarterback Philip Rivers. Can the Ravens finally catch a break? Or will the Chargers further spoil Baltimore’s season?
Line: San Diego Chargers (+3) at Baltimore Ravens (-3); total: 50.0 – view all NFL lines
TV Broadcast: CBS
Betting on the San Diego Chargers (2-5)
That was a bummer. The San Diego Chargers were practically run out of their own stadium against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday in a 37-29 loss. The Chargers trailed by as much as 37-6 in the third quarter, before scoring 23 unanswered points in the fourth. Alas it was too little, too late with the game almost certainly decided before then.
[sc:NFL240banner ]Quarterback Philip Rivers failed to electrify the home crowd after a record-setting performance on the road in Week 6, setting Chargers records for the most single-game completions (43), attempts (65) and yards (503). Rivers still put up some big numbers in Week 7 with 336 yards with three touchdowns (all three occurred in the fourth quarter) and two interceptions.
Wide receiver Keenan Allen led the receiving corps with 89 yards. Running back Danny Woodhead made his presence felt in the passing game with 11 catches for 75 yards and two scores.
Rivers is primed for a big game against the Ravens, who were burned for 275 yards passing and two touchdowns on Monday night against Arizona. Allen should remain as one of Rivers’ go-to receivers in this game. He should be able to get some separation against Baltimore’s cornerbacks for big gains. The Ravens have allowed the third-most passes of 20 or more yards (29) this season.
The Chargers have been pretty one-dimensional this season, preferring to let Rivers air balls out to his receivers. But if the Chargers could get a big lead after torching Baltimore’s secondary, then they may opt to run the ball some more. Rookie running back Melvin Gordon leads the team with 328 yards rushing. He has quite the challenge ahead of him against Baltimore’s solid rush defense, allowing 102.4 yards per game (10th in the league).
San Diego’s offense will need to fire on all cylinders to cover up for their defense. The Chargers are 22nd in the league when it comes to sacks (12 for the season) and 21st in interceptions (four). They’re also vulnerable against the run, ranking 31st in allowing 132.1 yards rushing per game.
Linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu has been San Diego’s best pass rusher this season with a team-high four sacks. He should be able to add to his sack total after seeing Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco sacked three times against the Cardinals in Week 7.
The Chargers have lost their last four on the road, going 1-3 ATS.
Betting on the Baltimore Ravens (1-6)
The Baltimore Ravens are lost after a 26-18 loss at Arizona on Monday night. They’re on to their worst start in franchise history, going 1-6 through the first seven games of the season. Despite owning one of the worst records in the league, Baltimore isn’t that bad. All six of the Ravens’ losses have been decided by one possession. They had a chance to tie or take the lead in the final two minutes of every game.
The defense failed the Ravens big-time, allowing multiple passes to travel 16 or more yards. They also allowed Arizona to run for 150 yards on 28 carries. While Baltimore may not be too concerned stopping one of the league’s worst rushing offenses in San Diego, its secondary may take a beating from Philip Rivers. But the Ravens could turn up the pressure against Rivers, ranking fifth in the NFL with 20 sacks this season.
The linebacker duo of C.J. Mosley and Elvis Dumervil has been excellent pass-rushers. Mosley has a team-high three sacks, while Dumervil has 2.5. They have some help from defensive end Lawrence Guy, who is tied with Mosley with three sacks. Rivers has been one of the most sacked quarterbacks in the league. San Diego has allowed the seventh-most sacks this season (18).
If the Ravens are to finally get a win, they’ll need their offense to have a better outing than their Week 7 loss to the Cardinals. Quarterback Joe Flacco went 26 of 40 for 252 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He was picked off on second and goal with a chance to tie the game with a touchdown and a two-point conversion. Running back Justin Forsett didn’t offer much except for a 14-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.
Wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. should continue to get his fair share of targets. He had five catches for 78 yards to lead the Ravens’ receiving corps. Smith leads the Ravens with three touchdown receptions. He should be able to score in this game, considering San Diego has allowed 13 receiving touchdowns this season (seventh-most in the NFL).
The Ravens are 0-5 ATS in their last five home games.
Writer’s Prediction
The Ravens break their three-game losing streak at the expense of San Diego. Create a betting account now and get in on the amazing NFL action.
